Want to cover empty patches of soil or bring instant charm to a corner of your home? Runner plants are nature’s overachievers.
They send out long stems called stolons that crawl along the ground (or spill from a pot) to create new little versions of themselves, no extra help needed.
In this list, you’ll find a mix of edible, ornamental, and practical runner plants that thrive both indoors and out. Some grow low and lush, others trail and tumble, and a few are perfect for filling space fast.
If you’re looking for effortless growth with a big visual reward, you’ll definitely want to try a few of these.
#1 Wild Roses
Wild roses have a mind of their own, and that’s a good thing when you want fast ground coverage.
These rugged growers send out runners from every node and will sprawl naturally across fences, walls, or wide open spaces. Their small blooms offer a soft, romantic look and attract pollinators.
To encourage spread, let the stems touch the soil and trim only to shape. They prefer full sun and well-draining soil, but can handle some neglect. Just keep an eye on their reach; they like to travel.
#2 Strawberries
Strawberries are more than just sweet treats; they’re fantastic little creepers too. Their runners stretch across the ground, popping out baby plants every few inches.
Before long, you’ll have a carpet of leafy greens and berries that seem to appear out of nowhere.
Set them in a sunny patch and water consistently. You can guide their runners where you want with small garden staples. Snip mature offshoots to start new pots or boost your harvest.
#3 Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley looks delicate but spreads with serious determination. Each fragrant stalk hides a system of runners just beneath the soil, ready to create new plants close by.
It’s lovely in shaded garden corners, but it needs some respect, it’s highly toxic if eaten.
Keep it away from pets and small children. Plant in moist, rich soil and let the clumps fill in naturally. You can thin it out every few years to keep it from getting too dense.
#4 Spider Plant
Spider plants are one of the easiest indoor runners you can grow. They send out long, arching stems that dangle adorable baby plants, like little green satellites. Each plantlet can root on its own, giving you endless new starters.
Let the runners hang for a full display, or snip them off and place them in water to root. These plants love bright, indirect light and a weekly watering. Try hanging one in your kitchen or bathroom to enjoy its cheerful energy.
#5 Crocosmia Flowers
Crocosmia adds bold orange color and a runner’s determination to your space. The plant responds to stress or breakage by sending out horizontal stems, helping it survive and spread quickly.
Its sword-like leaves and arching blooms make it a standout in any sunny garden bed.
Plant in well-drained soil and full sun for best growth. After flowering, leave the foliage to store energy for next season. Divide clumps every few years to control its reach and refresh the display.
#6 Trout Lily
Trout Lily brings soft yellow blooms and spotted leaves that resemble a trout’s scales. Its underground runners quietly expand the colony each year, making it ideal for naturalizing shady woodland spaces.
These plants are both edible and used in herbal remedies.
Set them in filtered light and moist soil. Don’t disturb the soil too much once planted, as they like to settle in undisturbed. Their slow spread feels magical when they start to reappear each spring.
#7 Purple Queen
Purple Queen is a fast-spreading ground cover with deep purple leaves that bring drama to your garden or container. It sends out trailing stems that root easily wherever they touch soil. Before long, you’ll have a thick mat of rich color.
Place it in full sun to maintain its bold hues. Clip and replant the runners to fill bare patches or edge your beds. It thrives with minimal care, making it perfect for beginners.
#8 Philodendrons
Philodendrons are quick to fill in empty corners or trail across shelves with their smooth, flowing vines.
As they grow, these tropical beauties send out runners that latch onto surfaces or dangle freely, creating a wild, jungle-like effect. They love cozy, low-light spots and are perfect for brightening up your bedroom or bathroom.
To help them thrive, mist their leaves occasionally and keep the soil lightly moist. Trim any leggy runners to encourage bushier growth. You’ll be surprised how fast they transform a plain space into something lush and lively.
#9 Peppermint
Source: Gardenerspath
Peppermint isn’t just a fragrant herb; it’s a vigorous spreader with a mind of its own. With a root system that can stretch inches every month, this little plant will quickly take over a garden bed if left unchecked.
Its runners grow just beneath the soil and pop up with new leafy shoots wherever they find room.
Grow it in pots to keep things under control or give it a dedicated patch in your garden. Water regularly and pinch off the tips to encourage bushy, compact growth. You’ll always have fresh mint on hand for tea or summer drinks.
#10 Ginger
Ginger has a special way of growing, using thick underground runners called rhizomes to spread and multiply.
Above the soil, you’ll see leafy stalks that resemble bamboo, but the real action happens underneath. As it matures, each segment of the rhizome can grow into a new plant, forming dense colonies over time.
Start with a healthy ginger root and plant it in rich, loose soil. Keep it warm and consistently moist, and you’ll see shoots sprout in a few weeks. In a few months, you can even harvest your own fresh ginger.
#11 Bermuda Grass
If you’re looking for quick ground coverage, Bermuda grass is a champion. It uses both above-ground stolons and underground rhizomes to spread out in all directions, forming a dense, green carpet.
This makes it a favorite for lawns, sports fields, and sunny open spaces.
Mow it regularly and water deeply to keep it looking neat. Just be careful, it grows fast and can creep into nearby flower beds if not edged. A little control goes a long way with this energetic grass.
#12 Sprawling Ivy
Sprawling ivy brings a touch of timeless charm wherever it grows, wrapping itself around fences, walls, or draping elegantly from hanging pots.
Its flexible stolons climb and spread in all directions, sending out roots as they go. With just a little help, it can turn any vertical space into a living work of art.
Keep it in partial shade and water when the soil feels dry. Trim it back now and then to keep its shape and prevent overgrowth. It’s a low-maintenance classic that never goes out of style.
#13 Irises
Irises add elegance and color with their striking blooms and sword-like leaves. But underneath, their rhizomes work steadily to expand, creating small clumps that grow bigger each season.
These natural runners allow irises to slowly fill out garden beds with bursts of purple, yellow, and white.
Plant them in sunny spots with good drainage, and divide the rhizomes every few years to keep them blooming strong. They’re a favorite among pollinators, too, so don’t be surprised if your garden gets busier during bloom time.
#14 Potatoes
Potatoes are more than a pantry staple; they’re one of the most fascinating runner plants. Their underground stolons stretch out and form new tubers, each one growing into a potential meal.
The plant above ground stays modest, but below, it’s building a whole network of tasty surprises.
Plant seed potatoes in deep, loose soil and keep them covered as they grow. Water consistently and wait for the leaves to yellow before harvesting. There’s something so satisfying about digging up your own homegrown potatoes.